Study Questions – Advent #4
Joyful when Joy isn’t Possible (Joy)
Nahum 1:2-3 & Matthew 2:10-11
INTRODUCTION: Over this Advent season, we have been tracing two stories: the first, that of Ahaz, king of Judah (the southern kingdom). Israel as a kingdom had been divided some 200 years before Ahaz came into power. Ahaz’s story is the story of the generational destruction that can come from unfaithfulness to God. The second story is that of God and his relentless faithfulness despite Ahaz’s and humanity’s (in general) unfaithfulness. Last week we looked down the road a hundred years from Ahaz’s dreadful decision to ally with Assyria, and we heard the words of the prophet Nahum. Nahum, in his prophecy, focuses on the destruction of Assyria and helps us to understand just how unlivable and horrible life was under Assyrian rule. His promise that God is capable and will hold Assyria accountable should bring God’s people hope; it is also a catalyst for joy when joy doesn’t seem or feel possible. Why? Because God did not forget them. They were still a people he had made a covenant with, and he was holding up his end of the deal. Yes, it will take another 600 years for Jesus to arrive. Yes, Assyria will be destroyed. And, no, the people of God will not all of a sudden become faithful. There will always be a faithful remnant, and God will move mightily through them. The truth for us today is that when we feel that joy is absent from our lives or not possible, we can have joy because God has not forgotten us. And, joy, true joy, a joy that lasts is rooted in God and God alone. And, when the Magi found Jesus, they were filled with exceeding joy.
GETTING STARTED – Talk about the difference between happiness and joy. At what point or experience in your life did you realize they are two different things?
- Joy – A lasting security and sense of contentment that is rooted in our identity in Christ.
- Happiness – The action of satisfying of our desires.
- Caution: Happiness is not necessarily bad or ungodly.
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?